Document Detail


Intracranial migration of a fractured intrathecal catheter from a baclofen pump system: case report and analysis of possible causes.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20087131     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: This case report describes a new complication associated with a baclofen pump in which its fractured intrathecal catheter migrated into the patient's ventricular system. A thecal model was developed to evaluate catheter buoyancy in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The literature was reviewed to identify possible mechanical and physiologic causes of catheter migration. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old boy with cerebral palsy presented with cervical pain, nausea, and vomiting. He was known to have a nonfunctioning baclofen pump with a 1-piece intrathecal catheter. Imaging studies showed mild ventriculomegaly and a fractured segment of the intrathecal catheter that extended from the cervical subarachnoid space into the third and fourth ventricles. INTERVENTION: The patient had complete symptom resolution after undergoing urgent surgical removal of the catheter segment. Manufacturer analysis of the retrieved catheter revealed a crushed, jagged proximal end. In an experimental thecal sac model, catheter segments in lengths of 0.5 to 89 cm were denser than the artificial CSF and, therefore, did not float in the thecal sac. This finding negates the role of buoyancy in migration. Review of the literature advocates for caudocranial CSF flow patterns as a plausible mechanism for migration. CONCLUSION: This complication alerts surgeons to the migration risk of loose intrathecal catheter segments into the ventricular system. CSF flow patterns and mechanical processes, but not material properties of the catheter, are likely causes.
Authors:
Todd A Maugans
Publication Detail:
Type:  Case Reports; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Neurosurgery     Volume:  66     ISSN:  1524-4040     ISO Abbreviation:  Neurosurgery     Publication Date:  2010 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-01-20     Completed Date:  2010-03-23     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7802914     Medline TA:  Neurosurgery     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  319-22     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0515, USA. editor@mayfieldclinic.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Baclofen / therapeutic use
Cerebral Palsy / drug therapy
Equipment Failure*
Foreign-Body Migration / etiology*,  surgery
Humans
Infusion Pumps, Implantable / adverse effects*
Male
Muscle Relaxants, Central / therapeutic use
Spinal Cord Injuries / etiology*,  surgery
Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Muscle Relaxants, Central; 1134-47-0/Baclofen

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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